Comparison:
ASICS Nimbus vs ASICS Novablast
The Nimbus is ASICS’ plushest, max cushioned, neutral trainer; the Novablast is ASICS’ versatile daily trainer. Here we will be comparing these two shoes.
Comparison:
The Nimbus, which is now in its 25th iteration, is a classic because of its soft ride and its luxurious upper. It’s one of the most popular ASICS trainers because it has plenty of long-distance comfort. It costs $160.
The Novablast is a new shoe and only in its 3rd iteration. It costs $140.
Which one of these ASICS trainers is better for you?
Similarity and differences: Gel-Nimbus 25 vs Novablast 3
Expert score
8/10
8/10
Weight
10.2 oz
8.9 oz
Heel Drop
8 mm
9 mm
Verdict
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 is a maximalist, highly cushioned trainer with a gentle rocker. It’s not the softest max-cushioned trainer on the market nor is it the most energetic but it’s still a supremely comfortable trainer (as long as you size up or get the wide version because it has a very narrow toe box). Version 25 uses the brand new FF Blast+ Eco midsole foam. It feels firmer than the Nimbus 24 but it has more cushioning and stability thanks to the increase in midsole stack height and width. The redesigned outsole results in smoother transitions and better durability.
The ASICS Novablast 3 is a polished daily trainer which is best suited to relaxed, easy runs. Its midsole has been upgraded to FF Blast+ foam so it loses a bunch of weight and gains some extra cushioning depth. Version 3 rides smoother than its predecessor but it rides firmer so it doesn't have the fun, bouncy ride which the Novablast used to be known for.
Recommended for
Daily training, long distance racing
Daily training
Cushioning type
balanced/plush
balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
flexible
Stability
very stable
very stable
Sizing
buy half size bigger
buy half size smaller
Retail price
US$160
US$
Sole unit: Gel-Nimbus 25 vs Novablast 3
The Nimbus has a midsole made of super soft FF Blast+ Eco. It delivers a really plush underfoot feel. The Nimbus has one GEL unit, in the heel. The GEL unit absorbs vibration during foot strikes.
The Novablast also uses ASICS’ new midsole foam, FF Blast+. Its ride is firmer than that of the Nimbus. There are no GEL units in the Novablast’s midsole and it has a smoother ride.
The Nimbus is better for relaxed runs such as easy and recovery runs because of how plush its midsole foam is. Your feet sink down into the soft foam with every foot strike, making slow runs more enjoyable and giving your feet better protection.
The Novablast is better for faster runs like steady runs, tempo runs and threshold runs. Its midsole returns more energy so it’s easier to pick up the pace and go at speeds below 5 minutes per kilometre.
Both trainers use ASICS’ AHARPLUS outsole rubber but the difference is that the density of the outsole rubber on the Nimbus is softer and not as durable as the outsole rubber of the Novablast. Landings also feel softer in the Nimbus than the Novablast because of the softer rubber used.
Stability is better in the Nimbus than in the Novablast because of its thinner midsole.
Upper unit: Gel-Nimbus 25 vs Novablast 3
The upper of the Nimbus has generous amounts of padding in its collar and heel tab. It has a gusseted tongue so there is no tongue slide and foot lockdown is excellent. With all the padding, the shoe runs warm and it also absorbs a lot of liquid so when running in the rain, it will pick up a lot of weight. The Nimbus fits narrow but also comes in additional widths if you need them.
The upper of the Novablast has moderate amounts of padding in its upper but is still a very comfortable upper. It also has a gusseted tongue to prevent tongue slide. The Novablast’s upper doesn’t run as warm as the upper of the Nimbus but its padding still absorbs liquid. The Novablast’s upper runs a half size large and it doesn’t come in any additional widths.
Which one to buy: Gel-Nimbus 25 vs Novablast 3
If you’re looking for a max-cushioned trainer for mainly slow-paced runs, the Nimbus is the shoe for you. It has an extremely comfortable, luxurious upper with plenty of padding. The Nimbus has a GEL unit for extra shock absorption as well as more stability than the Novablast. It’s more expensive than the Novablast and slightly heavier.
If you’re looking for a versatile daily trainer, the Novablast is the better option for you. The Novablast can handle faster paced runs as well as slower runs because its midsole has a balanced ride character. It also has more bounce and energy return with each foot strike. The Novablast has a more durable outsole, is $20 cheaper but has less stability than the Nimbus.
This expert review is written by
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes.
